Menu

1999 Harley-Davidson SportsterProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints60 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Visibility

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster has problems

6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility30
Equipment10
Exterior lighting10
Power train10
Steering10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Other: labels

Recall 98V-267 · Oct 23, 1998 · 232 vehicles

Risk. IF INCORRECT TIRE INFORMATION IS GIVEN, UNDERRATED TIRES COULD BE PLACED ON THE MOTORCYCLE CAUSING EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR OR, IN EXTREME CASES, POSSIBLE TIRE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Harley-Davidson.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other Sportster year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sportster median. How we score

'71'72'85'88'92'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'05'07'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Sportster owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH ENTIRE MIRROR BROKE RIGHT OFF AND FLEW OFF. THIS LEFT TURN SIGNALS HANGING BY THE CABLE. MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Complaint 862113 · May 18, 2000
THE RIGHT HAND (STARBOARD) SIDE MIRROR BROKE OFF FROM THE HANDLEBARS AND BROKE ON THE PAVEMENT, THE BREAK HAPPENED WHERE THE MIRROR SHAFT MEETS THE SIGNAL LIGHT JUST ABOVE THE THREADS. NLM
Complaint 562710 · Aug 27, 2001

Own a 1999 Sportster?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.